Holiday gift list, part ?: Movies and TV shows that you might need this season

Movies and TV shows, as always, are going to be on a lot of holiday lists. Here’s a guide to some of the top DVD releases along with prices you can expect in stores, or by ordering online at sites like Amazon.com.

“Bridesmaids”: Kristen Wiig has long been the funniest person on “Saturday Nigyht Live.” Now she makes the successful transition to the big screen. The DVD is available for $5.99 at Amazon.com.

“Super 8”. A movie with an eerie Steven Spielberg feel. First of all, kids are involved, it’s set in the late 70s and there’s a big whazzit. These kid players (Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning (Dakota’s sister) and Riley Griffiths, to name a few) are great. You can find it for as low as $12.77 online.

“Cowboys & Aliens.” (Due to be released Dec. 6) Another alien picture. This one set back in the old West with Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig. Interesting note: in both this one and “Super 8, aliens apparently keep their earthly captives the same way. Available at $14.99 online.

Community”: A TV show worth reviewing more than once. Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Chevy Chase and Alison Brie are the stars. Season two is available for $11.99 on Amazon.

“Mad Men”: Another TV hit. Season one costs $12.49 online.

“X-Men: First Class”: Mutants over the years. Find it on Blu-Ray for $9.99 on Amazon.

“Captain America”: Better-than-expected Marvel movie that takes us back to World War II. Things take on a true comic-book aire after the villain reveals himself. $17.99 on Amazon for the DVD, $19.99 for the Blu-Ray.

“Arrested Development”: Coming back six years after it left the air waves. The complete, three-season collection of a classic show starring Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Jeffrey Tambor is available for $34.99.

“King’s Speech”: Am Acamdy-Award-winning bargain at $5.99 online.

“Blind Side”: Poignant film with Sandra Bullock. Just $3.99 online.

“Big Bang Theory”: One of those Tv shows that seems to be all over the dial (especially the WTBS dial) these days. The first season sells for $12.99 online.

Author: Steve Tarter

Born in England, raised in Boston, I'm a Midwestern transplant who's called Peoria home for the past 40 years. Married with four grown children, I enjoy journalism, film noir and radio drama. As the song goes, I like coffee; I like tea. Former president of the Apollo Theater in Downtown Peoria, I'm looking for a new raison d'etre.
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